Parramatta Rivercat ferry resumes on October 11 after wharf upgrade
Parramatta Wharf is about to reopen so hop on the Rivercat and plan your daytrip along the world’s best harbour.
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After a five-month, $7.4 million upgrade, the Parramatta Wharf is due to reopen on Friday October 11.
Eager commuters heading east can board the Rivercat for the first scheduled service at 6.24am when the vessel cruises to Circular Quay.
The upgrade follows the revamp of Rydalmere Wharf, which was completed in March.
Passengers using the new wharf will notice a floating pontoon, better seating, improved safety and more efficient boarding and disembarking features.
It’s also the right time to make the most of spring and our picturesque harbour so here are some suggestions of places to visit and sights to take in along the Parramatta River.
ERIC PRIMROSE RESERVE
One stop from Parramatta, Rydalmere wharf is a recreation drawcard thanks to Eric Primrose Reserve, where a cycleway and pedestrian paths recently reopned after a $1.25 million spruce-up. There are three stages planned for the revamp which will allow for walkign and cycing paths between Park Rd Rydalmere and Silverwater Bridge (construction on stage two is slated to start early next year) but in the mean time, make the most of barbecue and picnic facilities, outdoor exercise equipment and sensory playground.
86 John St, Rydalmere
BLAXLAND RIVERSIDE PARK
Paradise for the young and big kids, this three hectare park includes a massive water playground, double flying fox, tunnel slides, multi-level tree house, mega swing and scramble wall. There are complimentary barbecues, a riverside walking trail, bicycle hire and a heritage train. For those ferry passengers not keen on lugging around lunch on the ferry, the Armory Wharf Cafe is the place to fuel up. Blaxland Riverside Park is 3km from Sydney Olymic Park ferry wharf.
Jamieson St, Sydney Olympic Park
NEWINGTON ARMORY
Neighbouring Blaxland Riverside Park is Newington Armory train buffs will enjoy the Heritage Railway Discovery Tour each Sunday from 9.30am to 10.45am. Nature lovers can make the most of the BirdLife Discovery Centre, or enjoy a casual play on the netball courts or football fields at the armory, which has morphed from its military industrial origins.
Jamieson St, Sydney Olympic Park
SYDNEY ROWING CLUB
Talk about convenience. The Abbotsford stop takes you right to the foot of the Sydney Rowing Club where a short stroll leads passengers todown seafood and beverages while perched on tables offering views of the glittering river. The grand old figtree shelters an outdoor dining area for large groups but the expansive windows deliver waterviews from the bistro, Watergrill.
Closest ferry stop: Abbotsford, 613 Great North Rd, Abbotsford
KISSING POINT PARK
Another well-equipped foreshore park, Kissing Point is right next to Kissing Point wharf. There is boat ramp, bicycle paths, outdoor fitness equipment and picnic areas.
Waterview St, Putney
PUTNEY PARK
This reserve is a family favourite thanks to its shaded water-themed playground overlooking the river. Revel in the fun at the toddler pools, climbing towers and slides. There are picnic shelters, cycle ways, swings and vast reserves to get some fresh air.
Pellisier Rd, Putney
CHISWICK BATHS
There aren’t many places to enjoy a dip along the Parramatta River but Chiswick Baths’ restoration in 2015 means a swim is a mere 200m from Chiswick Wharf. There is a shark net enclosure at the beach, which along with the natural sandy beach at Cabarita Park is one of the few river drawcards for swimmers. The State Government also has plans to lift the quality of water along Parramatta River to make it swimmable by 2025 when Bayview Park in Concord, McIlwaine Park in Rhodes East and Putney Park will be suitable for a splash.
19 Bortfield Drive, Chiswick
KELLYS BUSH
As the ferry approaches the lower Parramatta River, you can catch a glimpse of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the 4.8 hectares green reserves of Kellys Bush at Hunters Hill. On the Hunters Hill peninsula, the park links to Weil Park to the north, Nelson Pde and residential areas to the west, the Parramatta River to the south and residential areas and Woolwich Marina to the east. The reserve is home to eucalyptus, heath, banksia and closed scrub weed areas.
Nelson Pde, Hunters Hill
COCKATOO ISLAND
Hop off this UNESCO-listed Cockatoo Island to explore a slice of Sydney’s history with spectacular harbour views. Take in the Shipyard Stories at Biloela House where a photographic exhibition details the island’s maritime past. Opt for a supernatural theme with the Haunted History tour, or delve into the island’s past at the Crooked Character and Convict Precinct tours. If you love it so much and want to sleep over, hire a tent and perch yourself overlooking the river.
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